Ingredients
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Chocolate Mousse: 6 bars (1.5 ounces each) Dark Chocolate, chopped 3 large egg yolks, at room temperature 3 Tbsp orange-flavored liqueur 3 Tbsp granulated sugar, reserved from the candied orange zest 1/4 cup candied orange zest (see above) 2 cups heavy cream orange flower water (optional) 1 Tbsp orange-flavored liqueur 1 Tbsp granulated sugar, reserved from candied orange zest Garnish: 1 cup heavy cream 3 Tbsp reserved sugar syrup Remaining orange zest chocolate curls
Procedure
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Prepare the Candied Orange Zest With a sharp knife or peeler, remove the
orange peel from oranges, leaving the white pith. Place peel in small
saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then turn
down the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Refresh under cold water, drain
and place back in the pan. Cover with water again and cook until tender,
about 15 minutes. Refresh in cold water. Chop the zest into 1/4-inch
pieces. Place 2/3 cup of the sugar and water in small saucepan. Bring to a
boil and cook until the sugar dissolves. Add orange zest and simmer for 30
minutes over medium-low heat. Turn off the heat and let cool completely.
Drain zest completely, reserving 3 tablespoons of the sugar syrup for the
whipped cream garnish. Place the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar on a baking
sheet that has been covered with foil. Toss orange zest in sugar to coat.
Sift excess sugar from the zest (reserving 4 tablespoons of sugar for
mousse) and store the zest in an airtight container.
Make the Chocolate Mousse Place chocolate in microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on medium (50% power) 1 minute. Stir. Microwave 30 seconds
more or until chocolate is softened. Stir until smooth and let cool. Place
egg yolks, orange-flavored liqueur and 3 tablespoons sugar in
double-boiler top. Whisk constantly over simmering water until the
temperature reaches 1400F. Immediately remove from the heat and whisk the
yolk mixture into melted chocolate. With a hand-held electric mixer, beat
chocolate mixture until smooth and creamy. Stir in the candied orange
zest. Place heavy cream, orange flower water, orange-flavored liqueur, and
1 tablespoon sugar into mixing bowl. Beat on high speed until soft peaks
form, using electric mixer at high speed. Using a whisk, mix one-fourth of
the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until smooth. (The mixture
may be stiff.) Continue to fold in the remaining whipped cream just until
blended. Spoon the chocolate mousse into a pretty 1 1/2-quart bowl or
individual glasses.
Garnish the Orange Chocolate Mousse Place 1 cup of heavy cream and 3
tablespoons of the leftover sugar syrup (from the zest) in mixing bowl.
Beat until firm peaks form, using electric mixer at high speed. Place
whipped cream into a large pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe whipped
cream around top of chocolate mousse or for individual servings, pipe a
rosette on top. Sprinkle with remaining candied orange zest and chocolate
curls, if desired.
